SARASOTA, Fla. — Manager Bob Boone meant what he said about “getting the varsity ready” during exhibitions.

        The Reds' traveling squad for Thursday's game against Cleveland at Winter Haven, Fla., will include most of the probable Opening Day lineup — catcher Jason LaRue, Casey, second baseman Pokey Reese, shortstop Barry Larkin, left fielder Dmitri Young, center fielder Ken Griffey Jr., and outfielders Alex Ochoa and Tucker, who are battling for the right-field spot.

        Right-hander Osvaldo Fernandez will pitch for the Reds, though Pete Harnisch is expected to be the Opening Day starter. Other pitchers on the trip include Danny Graves, Jared Fernandez, Keith Glauber, Justin Atchley, Hector Merca do and Brian Reith.

        Former Red Dave Burba will start for Cleveland.

        RAH, RAH, ROLLINS: Rob Bell, Jim Brower and Dustin Moseley will be among Reds pitchers in today's game against Rollins College at Winter Park, Fla.

        Rollins is 13-4 and ranked No.16 in Division II entering its game Tuesday against Flagler. Right-hander Rob Sitz (3-0, 4.32 ERA) will start against Cincinnati.

        RECOVERY ROOM: Dr. Tim Kremchek, the Reds' team physician, will examine right-hander Larry Luebbers (wrist) today. If Luebbers is sound, he'll be able to begin throwing off a mound this weekend. Kremchek also will examine right-hander Frankie Rodriguez (back) to determine whether he can increase his activity.

        ETC.: LaRue ($230,000) and right-handers Seth Etherton ($224,000) and Brower ($222,000) signed their 2001 contracts, leaving only right-hander Rob Bell and Mercado, a left-hander, unsigned.

        • Because Griffey and Larkin live in Orlando, near Rollins College, they received permission to miss Tuesday's workout and simulated game. Both will play today and Thursday.

Return to roots revived Casey Reds take swing at new strike zone Regulars to play in first exhibition Reds add features to Web site

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